Exploring gender differences in symptoms and quality of life for people with atrial fibrillation
Official title: Differences in Women and Men with Atrial Fibrillation
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10947072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how men and women feel and cope with atrial fibrillation (AF) differently, aiming to understand why women might have more intense symptoms and a tougher time with their quality of life, so we can find better ways to help everyone manage their AF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2023 |
| Project end | March 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $51,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NR020833-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, particularly those who are experiencing significant symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or those who do not experience symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how men and women experience atrial fibrillation (AF) differently, focusing on the symptoms and quality of life associated with the condition. The study will involve a combination of surveys and interviews to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from participants. By examining biological markers and social factors, the research aims to identify why women may experience more severe symptoms and lower quality of life compared to men. The findings could lead to better-targeted interventions for managing AF symptoms based on gender differences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with atrial fibrillation, particularly women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated gender differences in atrial fibrillation symptoms, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frazier, Elizabeth — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Frazier, Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
Anticoagulation in ICH Survivors with Atrial Fibrillation and Small Vessel Disease
This project looks at how to safely use blood-thinning medicines in people who survived a brain bleed and also have atrial fibrillation and small vessel disease.
-
Lowering heart inflammation to reduce atrial fibrillation risk in people with diabetes
Seeing whether blocking a pro-inflammatory enzyme or boosting the heart's natural inflammation-resolving signals can lower atrial fibrillation risk in people with diabetes.
-
Atrial fibrillation, clots, and stroke: the heart’s JNK2 as a target
This NIH grant explores how a heart protein called JNK2 may drive atrial fibrillation, blood clots, and stroke, and whether it could serve as a biomarker and new treatment approach.
-
A risk score to spot high-risk heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who may need anticoagulation
A new tool uses patient data and heart MRI markers to identify heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who might benefit from anticoagulation while minimizing bleeding risk.
-
DECIDE-AF: a shared decision tool in your health portal to help prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation
A patient-friendly tool in your electronic health record helps you and your doctor choose the right way to prevent strokes if you have atrial fibrillation.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.